Biology October-01-08 - Biology Membrane biology 08...

Biology – Membrane biology October-01-08 Membranes are a combination of lipids and proteins. It not only serves as a barrier but it also has functionality. The lipid bi-layer has the hydrophilic head and hydrophobic fatty-acid tail. Amphipathic molecules have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. The fatty acids come in different forms (You can have fully saturated fatty acids with all carbons bonded to another carbon and hydrogen, you can also have a trans-unsaturated fatty acid with a kink in the carbon-carbon bond linked with a double bond. There are many diverse ways to make fatty acids.) Fatty acid composition affects membrane structure. Increase the level of saturation and you decrease the fluidity. Increase the level of unsaturated and the fluidity will increase (temperature also effects the fluidity). Electron transport needs a fairly fluid bi-layer because the electrons need to be able to pass through them. (Proper temperature is needed for the best electron transport conditions).

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